Abstract:

Size fractionated chlorophyll a , primary productivity, cell abundance, dominant species of phytoplankton and particulate organic carbon were observed in Prydz Bay and the adjacent area during austral summer of 1991/1992 (the 8th CHINARE). The results showed that there were obvious spatial zonation of above parameters in the studied area. Those were high in Zhongshan Bay, Davis Bay, the east surveyed region, and low in the west region of the surveyed area. The highest concentration of total chlorophyll a occurred in Prydz Bay and the adjacent continental shelf off shore (2.05±1.84mg/m 3). The higher productivity [>1000mgC/(m 2.d)] occurred in Zhongshan Bay and Davis Bay. The concentrations of micro (>20μm), nano with picoplankton (<20μm) contributed to total chlorophyll a were 57.3% and 42.7% separately. The contribution of nano with picoplankton was higher to total productivity (47.3%) than that to total chlorophyll a concentration.